[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding of the 25th Massachusetts]

Got up this morni[n]g about seven
Had a good breakfast and got
ready to go ashore but the Captain said
it was against orders, so I sent for a
permit which was granted me
after dinner. I went ashore with the
mate in the boat. It was pretty rough
and the boat danced over the waves
beautifully. Went and got a general pass
to get out of the yard and saw Brown
and Emily Upton and Mrs Brown and
then came back to the steamer. Am
enjoying myself finely. May I not forget
from whom all blessings are received
and give all the praise to God.

MSS 11293